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Fiorente Gives Gai Her First Melbourne Cup

Australia's first lady of racing has finally broken through in the race that stops a nation, with her imported star Fiorente taking out the 2013 Melbourne Cup in exciting fashion.

Gai Waterhouse has won many Group 1's over her stellar training career, however the big one had always eluded her. But on the first Tuesday in November, that all changed, thanks to a talented 6 year old originally from Ireland.

Ridden by Damien Oliver, the $7 favourite held off Red Cadeaux, in a fighting finish that will go down as one of the greats.

Fiorente was runner up in the 2012 Melbourne Cup, but went one better in this year's race. Red Cadeaux was runner up in 2011 and ironically finished second again, in what must have been heart breaking for the owners and connections.

Mount Athos battled on strongly for third, nosing out Simenon on the line. Ruscello (who was first past the finish line on the opening lap) finished last, with Verema failing to finish, and sadly had to be put down, after breaking a leg mid race.

It was Oliver's 3rd win the Cup, having proven victorious in 1995 on Doriemus and 2002 aboard Media Puzzle.

Gai was full of praise to the top jockey.

"He rode him a treat," she said. "He got back to about 12th and it was quite a solidly run race and then he just kept tracking up and tracking up. He was just fantastic, it’s a dream come true."

Oliver was equally thrilled to share the victory with Australia's leading female trainer.

"I’m so rapt that I could be part of Gai’s first one. She’s done so much for racing and it’s a great honour for me to help bring home her first one".

gai-waterhouse-melbourne-cup

Final Order of the 2013 Melbourne Cup:

1. Fiorente
2. Red Cadeaux
3. Mount Athos
4. Simenon
5. Dandino
6. Fawkner
7. Ethiopia
8. Brown Panther
9. Super Cool
10. Voleuse de Coeurs
11. Dunaden
12. Seville

13. Sea Moon
14. Royal Empire
15. Mourayan
16. Ibicenco
17. Foreteller
18. Masked Marvel
19. Dear Demi
20. Hawkspur
21. Green Moon
22. Tres Blue
23. Ruscello
DNF. Verema